KC parks, kids’ day camp stay open; community centers close amid coronavirus concerns
As public places around the metro shut down to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department is closing more museums and community centers. But parks will remain open, and spring break camp services for children will continue through this week.
Parks Director Terry Rynard announced the policies in an email newsletter Tuesday. They come after Mayor Quinton Lucas on Monday updated an emergency declaration to bar gatherings of more than 10 people and suspend restaurant dine-in service to help prevent transmission of coronavirus, or COVID-19.
According to the newsletter, Kansas City parks will remain open from 5 a.m. to midnight, but gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited through May 15. The department will also go ahead with Spring Break Camp, a children’s day camp that started Monday.
In a statement, Roosevelt Lyons, deputy director, said the department was “sensitive to the needs of (its) families during this tumultuous time” and “dedicated to doing (its) part to lessen the impact on families.”
“We’ve consulted with our health department on whether to keep operating our spring break programs, while keeping the centers closed to the public,” Lyons said. “Since youth are a low-risk population, our health department approved continuing the program.”
Lyons said the six camps usually have between 10 and 15 participants. This week, they “will focus on individual activities that allow distancing and take frequent breaks to wash hands.”
In the email, Rynard said the department “takes (its) responsibility to patrons and employees very seriously.”
“We are proud of the preventative measures we are taking to protect against the spread of the virus,” Rynard said. “Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Please take care of yourself and each other.”
Community centers and the city’s museums will be closed through April 4. They include:
▪ Brush Creek Community Center
▪ Garrison Community Center
▪ Gregg/Klice Community Center
▪ Hillcrest Community Center
▪ Kansas City North Community Center
▪ Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena
▪ Marlborough Community Center
▪ Southeast Community Center
▪ Tony Aguirre Community Center
▪ Westport Community Center
▪ Lakeside Nature Center (Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital will remain open)
▪ Loose Park Garden Center
▪ Bruce R Watkins Cultural and Heritage Center
▪ KC Garment District Museum
▪ Japanese Tea Room at Loose Park Garden Center
▪ Shoal Creek Living History Museum
According to the announcement, membership, program, room rental and activities fees will be refunded. Patrons can contact Vickie Richard for details at vickie.richard@kcmo.org.
To find out more about Kansas City’s response to the coronavirus, you can text “COVIDKC” to 888-777 or visit the city’s website at kcmo.gov/coronavirus. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information at cdc.gov/coronavirus, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a hotline at 877-435-8411.
